Thirteen groups receive funding to support Yukon youth

The Youth Investment Fund has awarded $53,970 to 13 projects that support Yukon youth

All-City Band Society – $5,000 – Community Tour: The All-City Band Society will be touring the communities of Haines Junction, Destruction Bay and Beaver Creek as they provide a total of three school concerts and two community concerts, as well as a Soundscape Workshop for students at the Nelnah Bessie John School in Beaver Creek. 

BGC Yukon – $5,000 – Young Riders Program: Through the Young Riders Program, BGC Yukon provides lift tickets to Mt. Sima for marginalized youth. The program has youth coaches to provide lessons and promote active living and leadership skills.

Carcross Recreation Board – $3,380 – Beginner Judo 2022–23: Building on the success of their teen Judo Program, the Carcross Recreation Board will be providing Judo lessons for children aged five to seven on Thursday evenings in Carcross. Judo teaches youth self-control, which can flow into real-life situations. 

Carcross Recreation Board – $5,000 – Rock Wall 2022–23: Carcross youth will benefit from the Rock Wall program hosted Monday evenings in their community. Rock wall climbing is a great way to help individuals and groups build character, trust, communication, problem solving and leadership skills, which in turn creates stronger communities. 

Holy Family School Council – $1,500 – Holy Family School Spelling Bee: The annual Holy Family School Spelling Bee focuses on participation, fun, inclusivity and confidence building in an educational setting.  It is an opportunity for youth from all backgrounds and abilities to shine.   

Japanese Canadian Association of Yukon (JCAY) – $5,000 – 2023 JCAY Playcare Youth and Kids Program: The JCAY Playcare Youth and Kids Program will provide monthly events for youth and community members. Half of the events will celebrate Japanese culture and traditions and the other half will focus on Yukon outdoor pursuits. Youth will gain a deeper understanding of their Japanese heritage and culture, which will promote positive self-esteem and self-image.    

Kluane First Nation – $4,550 – Kluane Young Leaders in Training: The Kluane Young Leaders in Training project aims to be a safe space within the community, building a strong support group program for youth, and providing strategic workshops and resources that will help foster wellbeing and self-esteem. Through education and mentoring, youth will gain the ability to empower themselves and their community through leadership and advocacy. 

Lorne Mountain Community Association – $4,750 – Youth Café at Mt Lorne: The Youth Café at Mt. Lorne will provide a unique opportunity for youth to learn and practise entrepreneurial skills and assets. Through this program, youth will learn from field professionals the fundamentals of operating their own café business at the local community centre. Youth will benefit by receiving leadership development opportunities, developing fundamental entrepreneurial and workforce skills, promoting healthy choices and building a safe environment for learning and interpersonal growth.    

North Klondyke Highway Music Society (NKHMS) – $3,220 – Ukulele Club Pilot Project:  Building on the success of their Fiddle Club program, NKHMS will offer an after-school Ukulele Club where youth will learn to play the instrument and build their own ukulele from kits provided. Residencies will be offered, led by local musician Steve Slade. Participating youth will also be able to showcase their skills at coffeehouse performances in the community. 

Riverdale Baptist Church – $3,000 – Senior and Junior Youth Groups: The Riverdale Baptist Church Senior and Junior Youth Groups gather during the year to participate in fun, recreational and social activities. The seniors meet weekly on Friday nights to participate in a variety of fun activities such as crafts, ultimate soccer, disc golf, bowling, scavenger hunts, painting and board games. The Junior Youth Group meets twice a month and participate in a variety of activities that teach new skills.

Switch Kick Society – $4,000 – Project Switch Kick: The Switch Kick Society will be offering community workshops for youth focusing on martial arts skill development, footwork technique, balance, breathing and weight transfer and control. The workshops will provide community youth with physical literacy, stress and anxiety reduction and self-confidence. 

Yukon Circle of Social Change Society – $4,820 – Access to Restorative Processes: This project will provide restorative processes for youth throughout the territory. These processes include restorative conversations and conferences; healing circles after a critical incident, loss, death or suicide in the community; sharing circles when there is conflict, discrimination or challenging behaviour in a community; and reintegration of youth back to the school or community after suspension or incarceration. Participants include victims and offenders, their supporters, Elders, and other community members who are impacted.   

Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous Society – $4,750 – Kidsfest 2023: Kidsfest at the 2023 Yukon Rendezvous Festival will be a fun-filled weekend of events and activities for youth of all ages to come out and enjoy safely. Activities include mini axe throw, parent pull, toboggan bowl, mini-flour packing and a Kidsfest Concert. Kidsfest will take place February 24 to 26, 2023, at Shipyards Park and the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre in Whitehorse.